Master processing apparatus

ABSTRACT

A master processing apparatus for use with a pair of removable feed rolls carrying a supply of stock material includes a frame and a master processing assembly operable to cause adhesive bonding between the stock materials and a master. The apparatus includes a cutting assembly and a movable feed tray. A master engaging structure engages the master as it is being processed.

This application claims priority to provisional patent application No.60/248,217 filed Nov. 15, 2000, which application is hereby incorporatedby reference in its entirety into the present application for allmaterial disclosed therein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to a master processing apparatus forperforming a master processing operation on a selected substrate.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Master processing apparatuses, such as laminating apparatuses andadhesive transfer apparatuses, are well-known in the art. Theseapparatuses typically include a frame to which a pair of feed rolls aremounted (either individually or in cartridge). A master processingassembly is provided in the frame and the stock materials on the feedroll are unwound and fed into the processing assembly. A power-operatedor hand-operated actuator may be included in the master processingapparatus to actuate the processing assembly. A master (such as aphotograph, printout, business card or any other selected substrate ordocument) to be processed is fed into the processing assembly and theprocessing assembly causes adhesive from one or both the stock materialsto bond to the master.

In laminating operations, both stock materials are laminating filmscoated with pressure-sensitive or heat-sensitive adhesive and thesefilms are both adhered to the opposing sides of the master. In adhesivetransfer operations, one of the stock materials is a release liner onwhich a layer of adhesive is coated and the other is an aggressive ornon-aggressive mask. During the operation, the adhesive on the releaseliner is transferred to one side of the master and, if the masksubstrate is aggressive (i.e. has an affinity for adhesive bonding),then any excess adhesive will transfer to the mask substrate, which isthen peeled off to expose the master on the release liner and remove theexcess adhesive. For further details on these operations, reference maybe made to U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,580,417 and 5,584,962.

In any master processing apparatus, the feed rolls of stock materialmust periodically be replaced. The above-mentioned '962 patent disclosesan advantageous arrangement that facilitates loading the lead ends ofthe stock materials in between the nip rollers of a master processingassembly. In the '962 patent, the upper portion of the frame pivotsrelative to the bottom portion between open and closed positions. Anupper nip roller is rotatably mounted on the upper frame portion and alower nip roller is rotatably mounted on the lower frame portion. As aresult, pivoting the upper frame portion to its open position separatesthe nip rollers to facilitate placement of the stock material lead endsbetween the nip rollers. Upon moving the upper frame portion to itsclosed position, the nip rollers will be engaged together in pressureapplying relation.

It is advantageous, however, that the nip rollers be accurately alignedwith one another when they are engaged in pressure applying relation. Ifthe rollers are not properly aligned (by being, for example, parallel,but spaced too far apart, or by being skewed out of parallel alignmentwith one another), they cannot apply equal, uniform pressure to allportions of the sheets of stock material therebetween and the resultingfinal product may be of inferior or unacceptable quality. In theconstruction of the '962 patent, if wear occurs at the pivotalconnection between the upper and lower frame portions, then the frameportions may unintentionally shift relative to one another due to theloose play in the pivotal connection. As a result, the nip rollers maynot be brought into proper pressure applying relation when broughttogether during movement of the upper frame portion into the closedposition thereof.

To obviate the above-described problem, one aspect of the presentinvention provides a master processing apparatus for use with a pair ofremovable feed rolls, each carrying a supply of stock material to beunwound and at least one of the stock materials having a layer ofadhesive provided thereon. The apparatus includes a frame having a firstframe portion and a second frame portion movably connected for movementrelative to one another between open and closed positions. A pair ofcooperating pressure applying structures are mounted within the frame,the cooperating structures being constructed and arranged to bepositioned adjacent one another in a cooperating pressure applyingrelationship wherein, when the master with the first and second stockmaterials on opposing sides thereof and the adhesive contacting themaster is positioned between the cooperating structures, the cooperatingstructures apply pressure to the master and stock materials as they passtherebetween so as to affect adhesive bonding between the master and thestock materials. One of the pair of cooperating pressure applyingstructures is mounted on the first frame portion and the other of thepair of cooperating pressure applying structures is mounted on thesecond frame portion such that (a) movement of the frame portions intotheir open positions moves the pressure applying structures apart fromone another into an open access position to facilitate positioning ofthe stock materials therebetween and (b) movement of the frame portionsinto their closed positions moves the pressure applying structures intoengagement with one another and into pressure applying engagement withthe portion of the stock materials positioned therebetween. Theapparatus further includes guiding structure providing a guiding surfaceconstructed and arranged to guide the movement of the pressure applyingstructures into their engaged positions.

It is also known in the art to provide a cutting apparatus on a masterprocessing apparatus at the discharge opening to sever the processedmaster from the continuous supply of stock material. For example,International Application PCT US98/23237 and the counterpart U.S. Pat.No. 6,244,322 discloses a master processing apparatus wherein thecutting apparatus has a cutting blade that is moved transversely to cutthrough the processed stock materials. In the disclosed arrangement, theblade is always positioned so that transverse movement thereof will cutthrough the materials on the apparatus' exit tray or other substratesupporting surface. Specifically, the blade extends into a groove toensure that lateral movement thereof cuts through the materials on thatsurface. This arrangement presents a risk of accidentally cuttingthrough the master by moving the blade by bumping into or otherwiseaccidentally contacting the blade carrier and pushing the blade edgeinto contact with the master. Likewise, the user could accidentally cutthe processed stock materials at the wrong point. In either of thesesituations, the operation must be performed over again.

To solve the problem described above, another aspect of the presentinvention provides a master processing apparatus for use with a pair ofremovable feed rolls, the removable feed rolls each carrying a supply ofstock material to be unwound and at least one of the stock materialshaving a layer of adhesive provided thereon. The apparatus includes aframe constructed and arranged to removably mount the feed rolls. Theframe is constructed and arranged such that, when the feed rolls areremovably mounted thereto, a master can be inserted into the masterprocessing assembly together with the stock materials unwound from theirrespective feed rolls and disposed on opposing sides of the master. Themaster processing assembly is constructed and arranged to perform amaster processing operation wherein the processing assembly causesadhesive bonding between the master and the stock materials fed into thefeed side thereof and subsequently discharges the processed master andstock materials outwardly from a discharge side thereof. The frameprovides a substrate supporting surface positioned on the discharge sideof the processing assembly. The substrate processing surface isconfigured to receive and support the processed master and stockmaterials discharged from the processing assembly in a substantiallyflat relation. A cutting assembly is disposed on the discharge side ofthe master processing assembly. The cutting assembly includes a guidemember extending transversely with respect to the frame and a blademounted on the guide member for guided transverse cutting movementtherealong. The guide member is movably mounted to the frame forselective manual movement between (a) an inoperative position whereinthe blade is positioned in spaced relation above the substratesupporting surface to prevent the blade from cutting through theprocessed master and stock materials and (b) an operative positionwherein the blade is positioned such that a portion thereof extendsdownwardly below the substrate supporting surface so that the downwardextent of the blade portion enables the blade to cut through an entirethickness of the processed master and stock materials during thetransverse cutting movement.

Because at least one of the stock materials on the feed rolls is coatedwith an adhesive, it is advantageous that the unwound portions of thesheets of stock material not be exposed to dust or debris. Generally,the unwound portions of the stock materials extend between theassociated feed roll and the master processing assembly. The stockmaterial sheets are oriented such that the adhesive-coated sidegenerally faces the feed opening of the apparatus. Thus, it isparticularly advantageous to prevent debris from entering the feedopening of the apparatus when the master processing apparatus is not inuse to prevent or reduce the chance of exposure of each adhesive layerto debris and foreign matter. In the event that debris or other foreignmatter becomes adhered on the adhesive layer, it can reduce theeffectiveness of the adhesive's bonding and, if the stock material is atransparent laminating film, can degrade the resulting product'sappearance.

To solve this problem, another aspect of the present invention providesa master processing apparatus for use with a pair of removable feedrolls, each removable feed roll carrying a supply of stock material tobe unwound and at least one of the stock materials having a layer ofadhesive provided thereon. The apparatus includes a frame constructedand arranged to removably mount the feed rolls. The frame has an openingat a feed side thereof. A master processing assembly is mounted in theframe. The frame is constructed and arranged such that, when the feedrolls are removably mounted thereto, a master can be inserted throughthe opening on the feed side of the frame and into the master processingassembly together with the stock materials unwound from their respectivefeed rolls and disposed on opposing sides of the master. The masterprocessing assembly is constructed and arranged to perform a masterprocessing operation wherein the processing assembly causes adhesivebonding between the master and stock materials being fed in a feed sidethereof and subsequently discharges the processed master and stockmaterials outwardly from a discharge side thereof. A feed tray having asubstrate supporting surface is movably mounted to the frame on the feedside of the master processing assembly for selective movement between(a) an operative position wherein the tray extends outwardly from themaster processing assembly with the substrate supporting surface thereofpositioned to support the master in substantially flat relation duringfeeding of the master into the master processing assembly and (b) aninoperative position wherein the tray is positioned in covering relationto the opening of the frame to inhibit ingress of undesired objects intothe master processing assembly via the opening.

Now turning to another aspect of the invention, in conventionalapparatuses, the operator initially pushes the master through the feedopening in the apparatus and into engagement with the nip rollers. Themaster is supported on a feed tray from the feed opening to the niprollers. Once the master is engaged with the nip rollers, the drivingrotational movement of the nip rollers pulls the unlaminated portion ofthe master through the nip rollers and pushes the laminated portiontoward the discharge opening. The portion of the master that is beinglaminated should be flat and wrinkle free. It is known to provide awiper on the feed side of the nip rollers to smooth and tension themaster as it is being pulled between the nip rollers. This smoothingaction assures a wrinkle-free final laminated product. An example of awiper for tensioning the master is shown in commonly assigned U.S. Pat.No. 5,788,806 to Bradshaw et. al. The wiper is mounted on the feed trayof the apparatus and is manually operable by manipulating a springbiased arm that extends out of the feed opening of the '806 apparatus.It is desirable to engage and smooth the master as close to the niprollers as possible. It is also desirable to mount the feed rolls in acartridge that can be easily installed in and removed from the apparatusyet have the feed rolls as close to the nip rollers as possible tominimize the length of the unwound portion of the stock materialsbetween feed rolls and the nip rollers. However, positioning both thefeed rolls and the wiper close to the nip rollers, as shown in the '806patent, has heretofore has required the cartridge and apparatus to bedesigned such that the cartridge is moved forwardly over the feed trayfor mounting to the rear side of the apparatus.

To obviate the need for such a construction, another aspect of thepresent invention provides a removable cartridge to be used inconjunction with a master processing apparatus for processing a master,the apparatus including a frame and a master processing assemblyconstructed and arranged to perform a master processing operationwherein the processing assembly causes adhesive bonding betweensubstrates fed therein. The cartridge includes a cartridge bodystructure constructed and arranged to be removably mounted to theapparatus frame. The first and second feed rolls each carry a supply offirst and second stock materials and are mounted to the cartridge bodystructure to enable the stock materials to be unwound from theirrespective feed rolls. At least one of the stock materials has a layerof adhesive disposed thereon. The cartridge body structure and the firstand second feed rolls are constructed and arranged such that, when thecartridge body structure is removably mounted to the apparatus frame,the master can be inserted into the master processing assembly of theapparatus with the first and second stock materials being unwound fromtheir respective feed rolls and disposed on opposing sides of themaster, thereby enabling the actuator to be operated to cause theprocessing assembly to perform the aforesaid master processingoperation. During the master processing operation, the master processingassembly causes adhesive bonding between the first and second stockmaterials and the master fed therein and then subsequently dischargesthe processed master and stock materials. The cartridge has a substratesupporting member extending between the sidewalls thereof that providesa substrate supporting surface. The substrate supporting member ispositioned with respect to the cartridge body structure such that, whenthe cartridge body structure is removably mounted to the apparatusframe, the substrate supporting surface thereof is positioned on thefeed side of the master processing assembly. The substrate supportingsurface is configured to support the master in substantially flatrelation during feeding of the master into the master processingassembly. The cartridge includes a master engaging structure extendinggenerally transversely across the substrate supporting surface. Themaster substrate engaging structure has a master engaging surface thatengages the master while supported on the substrate supporting surfaceso as to apply frictional resistance to advancement of the master in afeeding direction to thereby tension the master. This arrangement allowsthe apparatus to use a removable cartridge architecture of thevertically inserted type and allows the master engaging structure to bepositioned close to the processing assembly to thereby minimize thelength of the master left untensioned after the trailing edge of themaster passes the engaging structure. Alternatively, this aspect of theinvention could be applied to horizontally inserted cartridges.

With respect to another aspect of the invention, typically each feedroll is comprised of the tubular core and a supply of stock materialwound around the core. Each feed roll is rotatably mounted within theframe by a pair of end caps mounted at each end of the core. Typically acore is constructed of cardboard or similar material. Priorconstructions use glue to mount the end caps to the core. Glue isapplied, for example, to the interior at each end of the core, an endcap is inserted in each end of the core, and the glue is allowed to dry.There are many problems with this construction and method ofconstruction. First, glue is difficult to apply to the interior ends ona tube, particularly in an automated process. Glue is also messy andtime-consuming because the manufacturing process must be paused to allowtime for the glue to dry. It would be advantageous to provide a methodof mounting an end cap to a tubular core that is fast, reliable,economical and that does not involve the use of a glue.

Accordingly, another aspect of the present invention provides a feedroll configured to be mounted into a frame of a master processingapparatus in which a master processing operation is performed, the feedroll including a tubular core carrying a supply of a stock materialwound thereon and a pair of end caps. Each end cap has a tubular coresecuring portion and a mounting portion connected to the core securingportion. The mounting portion of each end cap is constructed andarranged to allow the core and the stock material to be rotatablymounted to the apparatus frame in an operative position to enable thestock material to be unwound for the master processing operation. Thecore securing portions are inserted in opposing ends of the core and apair of expansion members are inserted into the core securing portion ofeach end cap to radially expand the core securing portions of the endcaps into a force fit relation with the interior surface of the core tosecure the end caps to the core.

The end caps are used to rotatably mount each end of a feed roll withina frame. The free end of the strip of stock material on each roll isthen threaded through the nip rollers. An unwound portion of each stripof stock material extends generally from the associated feed roll to thenip rollers. The driving action of the nip rollers during a masterprocessing operation pulls the strips of stock material therebetween,thereby causing each feed roll to rotate in a sheet-unwinding direction.It is not desirable for the feed rolls to rotate at a rate faster thanis required by the rotation of the nip rollers because this may causewrinkling of the stock materials on the master or may cause theadhesive-coated side of one or both unwound portions of stock materialto adhere to themselves. Prior art feed rolls have been of the“freewheeling” type which provide no significant resistance to therotational movement of each feed roll in an unwinding direction. Thereis a need for a feed roll mounting structure that provides sufficientresistance to the rotational movement of each feed roll in an unwindingdirection to prevent each feed roll from rotating at a rate faster thanis required to feed the nip rollers. To meet this need, the presentinvention provides a feed roll assembly to be used in conjunction withan apparatus for performing a master processing operation, the apparatusincluding a frame and a master processing assembly constructed andarranged to perform a master processing operation wherein the processingassembly causes adhesive bonding between adhesive carrying substratesfed therein. The feed roll assembly includes a feed roll having a coreabout which a supply of stock material is wound and a generally radiallyextending annular flange fixedly mounted at an opposing end of the core.The feed roll assembly further includes feed roll mounting structureconstructed and arranged to removably mount the feed roll to the frameof the apparatus. The feed roll mounting structure provides apre-tension brake which provides a pair of brake surfaces frictionallyengaging opposing sides of the flange such that, when the feed rollmounting structure is removably mounted on the apparatus frame and thestock material is being unwound from the core, the core with the flangefixed thereon rotates relative to the feed roll mounting structure sothat braking friction is created between the core and the brakingsurfaces of the pre-tensioning brake.

When one or stock materials is coated with an adhesive, the forcerequired to unwind the stock materials varies, depending on the radiusof the roll. Generally, the larger the radius of the roll, the moreforce is required to unwind the stock materials. This change in theamount of force required to unwind the stock materials isdisadvantageous. Generally it is better to provide the apparatus with amore consistent feel to make operation of the apparatus easier for theoperator. Accordingly, the present invention also provides a masterprocessing apparatus for use with a pair of removable feed rolls, theremovable feed rolls each carrying a supply of stock material to beunwound, at least one of the stock materials having a layer of adhesiveprovided thereon. The apparatus includes a frame having an opening at afeed side thereof, a pair of feed roll mounting structures constructedand arranged to removably rotatably mount the pair of feed rolls in theframe for unwinding rotational movement of the feed rolls with respectto the frame and a master processing assembly. The frame is constructedand arranged such that, when the feed rolls are removably mountedthereto, a master can be inserted through the opening in the feed sideof the frame and into the master processing assembly together with thestock materials unwound from their respective feed rolls and disposed onopposing sides of the master. The master processing assembly isconstructed and arranged to perform a master processing operationwherein the processing assembly causes adhesive bonding between themaster and stock materials being fed in a feed side thereof andsubsequently discharges the processed master and stock materialsoutwardly from a discharge side thereof. Each feed roll mountingstructure is constructed and arranged to apply braking tension to theassociated feed roll such that the braking tension progressivelydecreases as the stock material carried on the associated feed roll isunwound.

Other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following detailed description, theaccompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a feed side of a master processingapparatus constructed according to the principles of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a discharge side of the masterprocessing apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view as taken along line 3—3 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3 except showing asecond frame portion thereof in an open position and a blade guidemember thereof in an inoperative position;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1 except showing a feedtray thereof in its inoperative position;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the feed side of a removable cartridgeconstructed according to the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a discharge side of the cartridge;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the cartridge generally from its feedside;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the cartridge generally from its dischargeside;

FIG. 10 is a close-up perspective view of a feed roll end cap mounted tothe cartridge and isolated from its respective feed roll;

FIG. 11 is a close-up perspective view of the feed roll end cap of FIG.10, but taken from another angle;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a feedroll end cap;

FIG. 13 is an end view of the end cap of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 14—14 in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a feed roll endcap;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a holding member;and

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the holding membertaken through the line 17—17 of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 17 except showing across-sectional view of a portion of an end cap mounted in the holdingmember; and

FIG. 19 shows another embodiment of a cartridge.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An example of a master processing apparatus, generally designated 10,constructed according to the principles of the present invention isshown in FIGS. 1-6. As explained below, the master processing apparatus10 is constructed for use with a pair of removable feed rolls, each ofwhich carries a supply of stock material that is wound around a centralcore. The stock materials can be, for example, a pair of transparentlaminating films that are applied to opposing sides of a document,photograph or other master to be protected. In certain aspects of theinvention, the stock materials may be designed for adhesive transferwith one of the stock materials being a release liner coated with apressure-sensitive adhesive and the other stock material being anadhesive mask substrate (see U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,580,417 and 5,584,962 andof Ensign, Jr., U.S. application Ser. No. 09/564,587, filed May 5,2000).

Other variations of master processing operations may be performed withthe apparatus 10. For example, the stock materials may include amagnetized substrate and an aggressive or non-aggressive adhesive mask(see of Neuburger, U.S. application Ser. No. 09/827,943, filed Apr. 9,2001, and International Application PCT US01/12382). All the patents andpatent applications mentioned hereinabove are hereby incorporated intheir entirety into the present application by reference. Regardless ofthe specific type of application, the apparatus 10 is operable to unwindthe supply of stock material on each roll and apply the stock materialsto respective sides of the master. At least one of the stock materialshas a layer of adhesive thereon which adheres the stock materials to oneanother and to the master therebetween.

The structure of the example master processing apparatus 10 can be bestunderstood from FIGS. 1-4. The master processing apparatus 10 includes aframe 12 that has a feed opening 14 (see FIG. 1, for example) and anexit or discharge opening 16 (see FIG. 2, for example). The internalstructure of the master processing apparatus 10 can be understood fromthe cross sections of FIGS. 2 and 3. The master processing apparatus 10is constructed and arranged to removably mount the feed rolls 18, 20(see FIG. 3, for example). Each roll 18, 20 has a supply of a woundstock material or substrate 21, 23, respectively. To better appreciatethe discussion of the structure of the apparatus 10, its operation willbe briefly considered first, with particular reference to FIG. 3.

Generally, a master 22 (shown in dashed lines and with exaggeratedthickness in FIG. 3) is inserted into the feed opening 14, and then themaster 22, along with unwound portions 24, 26 of the stock materials 21,23 from the upper and lower rolls 18, 20, respectively, are passedthrough a master processing assembly 30. The master processing assembly30 includes a pair of cooperating pressure applying structures in theform of first and second nip rollers 32, 34, respectively.

The nip rollers 32, 34 are rotatably mounted within the frame 12. Anoptional actuator, which may be in the form of a crank handle 36 asshown, is operatively connected with the nip rollers 32, 34.Alternatively, the actuator may be power-driven by a motor (such as anelectric motor, for example). The master 22 is inserted into the masterprocessing assembly 30 together with the stock materials 21, 23 unwoundfrom their respective feed rolls 18, 20 and disposed on opposing sidesof the master 22. At least one of the stock materials may be coveredwith a layer of a pressure-sensitive adhesive. As the master 22 and thetwo layers of unwound stock material 21, 23 pass between the nip rollers32, 34, the nip rollers perform a master processing operation.

The nip rollers 32, 34 apply pressure to the stock materials (and to themaster 22 when it is between the nip rollers 32, 34) during the masterprocessing operation, which causes adhesive bonding of each adhesivelayer provided by the stock materials which bonds the master 22 and thestock materials 24, 26 to form a final product 38 of the master 22 andstock materials 24, 26. The final product 38 is discharged out thedischarge opening 16 by the driving action of the nip rollers 32, 34.The product 38 is supported at the discharge opening 16 by a substratesupporting surface 40. The substrate supporting surface 40 is configuredto receive and support the processed master and stock materialsdischarged from the processing assembly in a substantially flatcondition.

The details of the structure of the master processing apparatus 10 canbe best appreciated from the cross sectional views of FIGS. 3 and 4. Thefeed rolls 18, 20 are mounted in a cartridge 46 that is removablymounted in the frame 12. The details of the construction of theremovable cartridge 46 are considered below. A feed tray 44 having asubstrate supporting surface 48 is movably mounted to the frame 12 onthe feed side of the master processing assembly 30. Preferably the tray44 and the frame 12 are molded plastic structures, although any suitableconstruction can be used.

Generally, the tray 44 is mounted on the frame 12 for selective movementbetween (a) an operative position (see FIG. 3, for example) and (b) aninoperative position (see FIG. 5). When the tray 44 is in its operativeposition, it extends outwardly from the master processing assembly 30and the substrate supporting surface 48 on the tray 44 is positioned tosupport a master 22 in a substantially flat condition as the master 22is being fed into the master processing assembly 30. When the tray 44 isin its inoperative position, it is positioned in covering relation tothe feed opening 14 of the frame 12 to inhibit ingress of undesiredobjects into the master processing assembly 30 via the feed opening 14.

It is particularly advantageous to cover the feed opening 14 because theadhesive-carrying side of each stock material faces generally toward thefeed opening 14. Debris entering the feed opening 14 could stick to theadhesive and ultimately become bonded between the processed layers ofstock material or between a processed layer of stock material and themaster 22, which would detract from the appearance of the final product38. The movable mounting of the tray 44 into the storage position isalso advantageous because it allows the apparatus 10 to be stored (in apackage for shipping prior to sale or at a worksite after sale, forexample) in less space. Specifically, moving the tray 44 into itsinoperative position reduces the “footprint” of the apparatus 10.

The details of the mounting of the tray 44 can be appreciated from FIG.3. The feed tray 44 has a pair of pins 50 (only one of which is visiblein FIG. 3) extending outwardly from opposite sides thereof. The frame 12defines an opposing pair of walls 52, each wall 52 of the pair beingdisposed on a respective side of the opening 14. (Because these opposingwalls are preferably of mirror image construction, with the exception ofan opening for accommodating an actuator, and because only one wall isvisible in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 3 and 4, both walls willbe referred to by the same reference number, 52). A tray guide track 54is formed on each wall 52 so that there is a guide track on each side ofthe opening 14. Each pin 50 is movably disposed in a respective trayguide track 54.

When the tray 44 is in its inoperative position (FIG. 5) in coveringrelation to the opening 14, each pin 50 is proximate the bottom of theassociated guide track 54 and the tray 44 is held in a generally uprightposition in covering relation to the opening 14 by several wall surfaceson the frame 12, including, for example, generally vertical wallsurfaces 60 and 62 (see FIG. 3). Specifically, these surfaces 60, 62prevent the tray 44 from pivoting relative to the frame 10. To move thetray 44 from its inoperative position to its operative position, thetray 44 is first moved generally upwardly with the pins 50 riding alongtheir associated tracks 54 until each pin 50 is proximate the top of itsassociated guide track 54. The tray 44 is then pivoted outwardly anddownwardly until it is in its operative position (FIG. 3, for example).The tray 44 is prevented from pivoting beyond its operative position byengagement between stop surfaces 64, 66 on the tray and frame 12,respectively, and by a tray support surface 63 provided by the frame 12.

It can be appreciated from FIG. 3 that, when the tray 44 is in itsoperative position, the substrate support surfaces 40, 48 are generallycoplanar (along with a substrate support surface 68 provided by aportion of the cartridge 46 considered below) and cooperate to define asupport path that slopes slightly downwardly relative to horizontal in adirection from the feed opening 14 to the discharge opening 16. Thisconstruction facilitates insertion of a master into the opening 14 andits subsequent passage into and through the master processing assembly30.

A cutting assembly 70 (best seen in the cross sections of FIGS. 3 and 4and in FIG. 2) is disposed on the discharge side 16 of the masterprocessing assembly 30 and is operable to sever a final product 38containing a master 22 from the continuous strips of stock material. Thecutting assembly 70 includes a blade assembly 72 and a guide member 74.The guide member 74 is movably mounted between opposing walls 76, 78 ofthe frame structure 12 and extends transversely across the dischargeopening 16 generally above the substrate support surface 40. The bladeassembly 72 includes a blade carriage 80 and a pointed, double sidedblade 82. The blade 82 of the blade assembly 72 is mounted on the guidemember 74 for guided transverse cutting movement therealong.Specifically, the blade 82 is mounted to the blade carriage 80 and theblade carriage is slidably mounted on the guide member 74.

The guide member 74 is movably mounted to the frame 12 for selectivemanual movement between (a) an inoperative position (see FIG. 4, forexample) in which the blade 82 is spaced above the substrate supportingsurface 40 to prevent the blade from cutting through the processedmaster 22 and stock materials 21, 23 in the event of accidental lateralmovement thereof and (b) an operative position (see FIG. 3, for example)in which a portion of the blade 82 extends downwardly below thesubstrate supporting surface 40 (and into a laterally extending bladereceiving slot 84 formed in the surface 40 of the frame 12) so that thedownward extent of the blade portion 82 of the blade assembly 72 enablesthe blade 82 to cut through an entire thickness of the processed masterand stock materials 38 during transverse cutting movement of the bladeassembly 72 with respect to the guide member 74.

The guide member 74 has a pair of mounting arms 86 integrally formed onopposing ends thereof. The mounting arms 86 are pivotally connected tothe frame 12 to enable the guide member 74 to pivot between itsoperative and inoperative positions. The guide member 74 also includes acutter guide which guides the movement of the blade 82 into the slot 84as the guide member 74 moves from its inoperative position into itsoperative position. The cutter guide in the example embodiment of theapparatus 10 is provided in the form of a pair of projections (notvisible) which extend laterally outwardly from the mounting arms 86 andare received in recesses formed in the walls of the frame 12.Specifically, each projection is integrally formed on a central portionof a respective mounting arm 86 and each projection is slidably receivedwithin an arcuate blade guide track 90 formed in the respective wallportions 76, 78 of the frame 12. The arcuate shape of the tracks 90guides the projections which, in turn, guides the pivotal movement ofthe guide member 74.

Each projection is biasingly engaged by biasing structure in the form ofa spring 88 (see FIG. 4, for example) mounted within the frame 12 thatbiases the projections upwardly to the upper ends of their respectiveblade guide tracks 90, thereby biasing the guide member 74 upwardly intoits inoperative position so that the blade 82 is spaced above the finalproduct 38 emerging from the discharge opening 16. This upward biasingof the guide member 74 assures that the final product 38 is notaccidentally cut or scratched by an operator's inadvertent lateralmovement of the blade 82 and the blade carriage 80 during a masterprocessing operation.

Because the guide member 74 is pivotally mounted to the frame 12, theblade 82 travels along a generally arcuate path between its inoperativeand operative positions. The blade 82 is positioned immediately adjacentthe discharge side of the master processing assembly 30 when it is inits operative position and the guide member 74 is movably mounted to theframe 12 such that the blade 82 moves both toward the master processingassembly 30 and downwardly as the guide member 74 is moved from itsinoperative position to its operative position. It can be appreciatedfrom FIGS. 3 and 4 that when the cutting assembly 70 is in itsinoperative position, the guide member 74 and the blade carriage 80 aredisposed such that the blade 82 is angled into the discharge opening 16.This prevents the operator from accidentally being cut as a result ofcontact with the blade 82.

The guide member 74 and the blade carriage 80 are each of one piece,molded plastic construction and each is molded to allow the two pieces74, 80 to be snap-fit or press fit together for sliding movement of theblade carriage 80 with respect to the guide member 74. Specifically, asbest appreciated from FIG. 4, a lower wall portion 92 of the bladecarriage 80 hookingly engages an outer edge portion 94 of the guidemember 74 and an inner end portion 96 of the blade carriage 80 isreceived within an outwardly facing C-shaped recess 98 formed in theguide member 74. This construction allows the blade carriage 80 to befit onto the guide member 74 and allows easy sliding movementtherebetween. This engagement between the blade carriage 80 and theguide member 74 keeps the blade 82 properly aligned relative to thefinal product 38 during a cutting operation so that its cutting edge isdirected transversely (i.e., perpendicularly) to the longitudinal extentof the final product 38 being cut.

As best appreciated from a comparison of FIGS. 3 and 4, the frame 12includes first and second frame portions 100, 102, respectively, whichare movably connected for movement relative to one another betweenclosed (FIG. 3) and open (FIG. 4) positions. Preferably each portion100, 102 is of shell-like, molded plastic construction, although anysuitable materials can be used. Frame portion 102 is pivotally mountedto frame portion 100 by a pair of integral projections (not shown)formed on opposite sides of frame portion 102 that are received within apair of openings (not shown) formed within opposing wall portions offrame portion 102.

It can also be appreciated from a comparison of FIGS. 3 and 4 that thepair of cooperating pressure applying nip rollers 32, 34 are constructedand arranged to be positioned adjacent one another in cooperatingpressure applying relation to one another (FIG. 3) and to be moved apartto an open access position (FIG. 4). Specifically, one of the pressureapplying structures (that is, the lower nip roller 34) is mounted to thefirst frame portion 100 and the other pressure applying structure (thatis, the upper nip roller 32) is mounted to the second frame portion 102such that (a) movement of the frame portions 100, 102 into their openpositions moves the pressure applying structures 32, 34 apart from oneanother into an open access position to allow the stock materials to beeasily positioned therebetween and (b) movement of the frame portions100, 102 into their closed positions moves the pressure applyingstructures 32, 34 into engagement with one another and into pressureapplying engagement with the portion of the stock materials positionedtherebetween.

When the second frame portion 102 is in its open position, this alsoallows an old cartridge 46 to be removed when its supply of stockmaterials is used up and a new cartridge having a fresh supply of stockmaterials to be placed in the apparatus 10. After a new supply of stockmaterials is placed in the apparatus 10, the end portions of the stockmaterials 21, 23 on a respective feed rolls 18, 20 are pulled out fromthe rolls and positioned between the nip rollers 32, 34. The two frameportions 100, 102 are then moved back into their closed positions.

Thus, moving the nip rollers apart when the frame portions 100, 102 areopened to replace a cartridge 46 allows the operator to easily threadthe new stock materials between rollers 32, 34. It is advantageous,however, for the nip rollers 32, 34 to be accurately aligned with oneanother when they are moved back into pressure applying relation withone another. The frame 12 includes alignment structure constructed andarranged to guide the relative movement of the pressure applyingstructures 32, 34 from their open access position back into theirengaged position and to hold them in uniform pressure applying relationto one another to apply uniform pressure to the stock materialstherebetween.

Specifically, an arcuate nip roller guide track 104 (only one of whichis shown in FIG. 4) is formed in each opposing wall 76, 78 of the firstframe portion 100 and a nip roller guide projection (neither of which isvisible in the figures) is formed on (or carried by) each side of thesecond frame portion 102. Each of the nip roller guide projections ismovably received within an associated guide track 104. Preferably, thenip roller guide projections are coaxial with the axis of rotation ofthe upper nip roller 32 (although this is not required and otherconstructions are possible). As the second frame portion 102 is moved toits closed position, the nip roller guide tracks 104 guide the niproller guide projections to, in turn, guide the upper nip roller 32 intoits properly aligned position parallel to and in nipped engagement withthe lower nip roller 34.

Each nip roller guide projection is biased into engagement with a lowerwall portion and with side wall portions 106, 108, 110, respectively, ofthe associated guide track 104 by the latching engagement between alatch assembly 112 on the second frame portion 102 and latch structure111 on the first frame portion 100. The latch assembly 112 and the latchstructure 111 comprise a latch mechanism. This latching engagement holdsthe frame portions 100, 102 in their closed positions and biases theroller aligning engagement between the wall portions 106, 108, 110 ofthe roller guide track 104 and the associated projection on each side ofthe second frame portion 102. This arrangement fixes (i.e., maintains)the position of the upper nip roller 32 and keeps the axes of rotationof the nip rollers 32, 34 parallel.

In certain aspects of the invention, the master processing assemblycould involve heating elements suitable for softening a heat-sensitiveadhesive prior to applying pressure to the same.

The Replaceable Cartridge

Preferably, the replaceable feed rolls 18, 20 are mounted within acartridge to facilitate easy removal and replacement of the feed rolls.An example of a preferred replaceable cartridge 46 for use in theapparatus 10 is shown in FIGS. 6-9. FIGS. 6 and 7 show the front (i.e.,the side that faces the feed opening of the frame 12) and back (i.e.,the side that faces the discharge opening of the frame 12),respectively, of cartridge 46. The cartridge 46 includes a cartridgebody structure 114 (that is preferably made of a suitable moldedplastic, although any appropriate material can be used in theconstruction) that is constructed and arranged to be removably mountedto the apparatus frame 12 and a pair of feed rolls 18, 20 rotatablymounted in the cartridge body structure 114 in a manner described below.

The feed rolls 18, 20, each carry a supply of the stock materials 21, 23and each feed rolls 18, 20 is mounted to the cartridge body structure114 to enable the stock materials 21, 23 to be unwound from therespective feed rolls and placed between the nip rollers 32, 34. Thecartridge body structure 114 and the feed rolls 18, 20 are constructedand arranged such that, when the cartridge body structure 114 isremovably mounted to the apparatus frame 12, a master 22 can be insertedinto an front opening 116 of the cartridge 46 and pass therethrough intothe master processing assembly 30 of the apparatus 10 with the first andsecond stock materials 21, 23 from the respective feed rolls 18, 20disposed on opposing sides of the master 22.

The cartridge 46 includes a substrate supporting member 118 whichextends between opposing sidewalls 120, 122 of the cartridge 46. Theupper surface of the supporting member 118 provides a generally planarsubstrate supporting surface 68. The substrate supporting member 118 ispositioned with respect to the cartridge body structure 114 such that,when the cartridge body structure is removably mounted to the apparatusframe 12, the substrate supporting surface 68 is positioned on the feedside of the master processing assembly 30 and the substrate supportingsurface 68 is configured to support the master 22 in substantially flatcondition while the master 22 is being fed into the master processingassembly 30 (see FIG. 3, for example). The substrate supporting surface68 is generally co-planar with and immediately adjacent to the substratesupporting surface 48 of the feed tray 44 so that together thesesurfaces 48, 68 continuously support the master as the master passesfrom the feed tray 44 toward and into the master processing assembly 30.

The cartridge 46 also includes a master engaging structure 124 extendingforwardly into the cartridge opening 116. The master engaging structure124 is preferably of molded plastic construction and has integral pinstructures 125 extending outwardly from each side thereof. Each pinstructure 125 can be snap-fit into pivotal engagement with the cartridgebody structure 114 by pressing each pin 125 into a respective receptacle127 on the cartridge body structure 114. Thus the master engagingstructure 124 is pivotally mounted between the opposing side walls 120,122 of the cartridge 46 and curves generally arcuately downwardly towardthe master processing assembly 30. A master engaging end 128 of themaster engaging structure 124 extends generally transversely across thesubstrate supporting surface 68 and provides a master engaging surface130 that engages the master 22 while the master is supported on thesubstrate supporting surface 68.

The master engaging surface 130 of the master engaging structure 124applies a frictional resistance to the advancement of the master 22 in afeeding direction to thereby tension the master to prevent the same fromwrinkling, for example, as it goes into the master processing assembly30. The master engaging structure 124 in the illustrative embodiment(see FIGS. 3 and 4, for example) provides this frictional resistancebecause weight of the master engaging structure 124 (that is, the endopposite the rearward end that is pivotally connected to the cartridge)is supported by the master engaging surface 130. Thus, the gravitationalforce of on the master engaging structure 124 causes the surface 130 toexert sufficient downward force on the master 22 to tension the same.This use of the force of gravity to bias the master engaging structure124 into frictional engagement with the master 22 simplifies theconstruction of the apparatus 10. This tensioning arrangement does notrequire a separate mechanical biasing structure (such as a spring, forexample) applying a downward force on the master engaging structure 124.An additional benefit to the gravitational engagement is that the masterengaging surface 130 exerts an essentially constant downward force onthe master 22, regardless of the thickness of the master 22. If a springwere used to tension the master, for example, the spring force may varydepending on the thickness of the master because a change in thicknessmay result in a change in the amount the spring is compressed. Thisconstant force and the curved shape of the master engaging structure 124also facilitates the insertion of a master. There is no need for theoperator to manually lift the master engaging structure 124 when a newmaster is inserted in the apparatus 10 for processing, regardless of thethickness or texture of the master 22. The master engaging structure 124is thus advantageous because it is easy to use and does not need to bemanually lifted by the operator.

The master engaging structure may also provide the additional, but notnecessary, benefit of wiping any particles off the surface of the master22. When this additional optional cleaning function is performed by themaster engaging structure 124, a suitable, non-scratching material suchas a suitable cloth material may be provided on the master engagingsurface 130 to, in effect, wipe the master as it moves toward the masterprocessing assembly 30.

The details of the construction of the cartridge 46 can best beunderstood from the exploded views of FIGS. 8 and 9. Each roll of stockmaterial (or substrate) 18, 20 is comprised of a long, continuous stripof stock material wound around a central tubular core 132. Typically thecore 132 is made of heavy cardboard. An end cap 134 is mounted in eachend of the core 132 and the end caps 134 are used to rotatably mounteach roll in the cartridge body structure 114.

Each end cap 134 is preferably an integral molded plastic structure thatincludes a tubular core securing portion 136 and a mounting portion 138connected to the core securing portion. The core securing portion 136 isnormally in a relaxed, unexpanded condition to enable insertion of thesecuring portion 136 into an end of a core 132. After the securingportion has been inserted into the end of a core, an expansion member140 is inserted into the core securing portion 136. The size andconfiguration of the expansion member 140 causes or tends to cause thesecuring portion 136 to expand generally radially into a force-fitrelation with the interior surface of the core 132. This force-fitrelation secures the end cap 134 to the core 132.

It can be appreciated from FIGS. 9-11, for example, that the securingportion 136 of each end cap 134 is in the form of a cylinder split intoquarter sections to define a plurality of resilient tabs 141. Theexterior of each tab 141 is covered with a plurality of core grippingteeth 142. The split cylinder construction allows tabs 141 to flexslightly radially inwardly to facilitate insertion of the end cap 134into the free end of a tubular core 132. Each expansion member 140 is inthe form of a plug which, when inserted into the interior of thesecuring portion 136 of the end cap 134, forces the tabs 141 of thesecuring portion 136 to move radially outwardly and causes the teeth 142to become embedded in the cardboard of the core 132. It can beappreciated that this method of attaching an end cap 134 to each end ofthe core 132 is purely mechanical and does not require the use of glueand is therefore easier (no glue has to be applied) and faster (themanufacturing process does not have to pause to allow the glue to dry)than processes which use glue.

The manner in which the end caps 134 are rotatably mounted to thecartridge body structure 114 can be best appreciated from FIGS. 9-11.FIGS. 10 and 11 show two views of an end cap 134 in isolation (that is,without an expansion member 140 and without the core 132/substrate 21)to illustrate the rotatable mounting of the end cap to the cartridgebody structure 114.

Each end cap 134 provides an annular flange 144 mounted in fixedrelation to the end of the core 132 of each feed roll 18, 20. Thecartridge 46 rotatably supports each end cap of the feed rolls 18, 20and provides a pre-tension brake 146 for each end cap 134. Each brake146 includes a pair of brake surfaces 148, 150 (see FIGS. 10 and 11, forexample) which frictionally engage opposing sides of each flange 144 ofthe end cap. When the cartridge 46 is removably mounted on the apparatusframe 12 and the stock material 21 is being unwound from the core 132,the core 132 with the flange 144 fixed thereon rotates relative to thecartridge body structure 114 and the brakes 146 so that braking frictionis created between the flange and the braking surfaces 148, 150 of thepre-tensioning brake. In other words, the flanges 144 on the end cap 134and the associated brakes 146 on the cartridge body structure 114cooperate to provide frictional resistance to the rotational movement ofthe associated feed roll when the stock material is being unwound by theaction of the nip rollers 32, 34.

This frictional engagement prevents the feed roll from rotating at afaster rate than is required to supply stock material to the nip rollers32, 34. This keeps the unwound portion 24 or 26 of stock material 21 or23 between the feed roll 18 or 20 and the nip rollers taut, whichprevents the stock material from wrinkling on the master 22 or adheringto itself prior to being fed to the nip rollers. Preferably thispre-tensioning brake arrangement (between the end cap 134 and the brake146) is provided at each end of each feed roll 18, 20, but one brake ateach end of each feed roll can also be used, with the other opposite endof each feed roll being free wheeling (that is, having no frictionalengagement that would tend to slow or dampen roller rotation).

The specific construction of the brake arrangement used in the exampleembodiment of the apparatus 10 can best be appreciated from the explodedview of FIG. 9. Each brake 146 includes a holding structure 152integrally formed with the cartridge body structure 114 and a holdingmember 154 (which forms part of the cartridge body structure 114 when itis secured thereto) that has a wall portion 158 that is received withina slot 160 within the holding structure 152. The holding member 154includes a pair of openings 161 that are mounted on posts 163 integrallyformed on the cartridge body structure. The posts 163 may be securedwithin the openings 161 by snap-fitting, heat staking, by weldingtherein or by any other method to hold the annular flange 144 rotatablytherebetween. The holding structure 152 provides bearing structure thefunctions to rotatably support an end cap of the core mounted therein.The holding member 154 provides the braking surfaces which provide abraking force to the end cap.

The interior of the holding member 154 provides the braking surfaces148, 150 which are opposed to one another and frictionally engage theopposing major surfaces of the flange 144 to dampen or moderaterotational movement of the associated feed roll 18 or 20 to preventwrinkling of the substrate during a master processing operation. Thebraking force is created because the flange 144 is received in aninterference fit relation between the braking surfaces 148, 150. Thesurface 150 is arcuate and is formed on an integral arcuate structure151 that may be constructed (of a molded plastic, for example) toresiliently flex of deform slightly when the end cap is placed betweenthe surfaces 148, 150. The interference fit provides the brakingfriction when the flange 144 moves relative to the surfaces 148, 150.Alternatively, one or both of the braking surfaces 148, 150 could beprovided on a flexible or movable member that is biased into engagementwith the flange 144 so that the braking friction is created in part bythe biasing force. An example of this type of arrangement is shown anddescribed below.

The brake 146 can be used with feed rolls that are individually mountedto the apparatus frame without the use of a cartridge, as disclosed inthe above-incorporated '962 patent. In this case, the brake 146 at eachend of the feed roll (or at one end of each feed roll in the instance inwhich only one brake is used per feed roll) is incorporated in feed rollmounting structure carried on the ends of the feed rolls. This feed rollmounting structure removably mounts to the apparatus frame to supportits associated feed roll. The feed roll mounting structure cooperateswith the frame so that both the feed roll mounting structure and itspre-tensioning brake 146 remain stationary as the core rotates duringunwinding of the stock material. The brake 146 for each individual feedroll will provide braking surfaces similar to the braking surfaces 148and 150 in the cartridge 46 to provide frictional resistance to theflange. Alternatively, the brake(s) 146 could be incorporated orintegrated into the apparatus frame and the flanges on the feed rollsremovably mount thereto in the same manner.

In a broad sense, the cartridge 46 serves to removably mount the feedroll 18, 20 to the apparatus frame 12. Thus, the cartridge 46 may bereferred to as a feed roll mounting structure, which is intended toencompass any structural arrangement suitable for mounting andsupporting one or more feed rolls on an apparatus frame.

It is within the scope of the invention to sell the feed rolls 18, 20with the end caps 134 as replacement feed rolls. This would be donewithout selling the cartridge body. The end user would purchase thesereplacement feed rolls 18, 20 and mount them by the flanges 144 to thecartridge body in the manner discussed above to replace spent feedrolls. The advantage of this is that the cost of the cartridge body iseliminated for the replacement supplies. Also, because the user does nothave to replace the cartridge body, it does not have to be discarded,which is more environmentally friendly.

An alternative embodiment of an end cap and expansion member are shownin FIGS. 12 through 14. The end cap 171 includes an outer braking flange172 and a core securing portion 174. The braking flange 172 provides asurface constructed and arranged to engage a braking surface on a feedroll mounting structure. The core securing portion 174 includes fournotches 176 which allow the core supporting portion to move radiallyinwardly when the end cap is being inserted into the core 132 to allowthe same to easily enter the interior of a core of a feed roll in whichthe end cap is to be mounted.

The engagement of the teeth 180 with the interior of the core causes theinterior of the core securing portion 174 to taper slightly inwardly ina direction from the open end of the core towards the interior of thecore. An expansion member 182 is integrally molded as one piece with theend cap and is removably secured thereto by frangible or “break away”plastic portions. This allows the expansion member 182 to bepre-positioned for insertion into the interior of the end cap. Also,this reduces the part count and assembly cost of the cartridge. Theexpansion member 182 can thus be inserted into the interior of the coresecuring portion 174 of the end cap in radially expanding relationtherewith by simply pushing the member 182 toward the center of thecore.

An end view and a cross-sectional view of the end cap 171 and integralexpansion member 182 mounted thereto are shown in FIGS. 13 and 14,respectively. FIG. 14 illustrates the frangible engagement between theend cap 171 and the expansion member 182. Specifically, the end cap 171and expansion member 182 are connected together by break away integralplastic structure 184. It can also be appreciated from FIG. 14 that thefront surfaces of the teeth 180 are arcuate for easy insertion into thecore.

Another alternative embodiment of an end cap 200 and an expansion member202 are shown in isolation in FIG. 15 and mounted on a core 199 in FIG.18. The end cap 200 includes an outer annular braking flange 204 and acore securing portion 206. The braking flange 204 provides brakesurfaces 208, 209 constructed and arranged to engage braking surfaces211, 213 on a feed roll mounting structure 215 (see FIG. 18). The coresecuring portion 206 includes four flexible tabs 210 which move radiallyinwardly when the end cap 200 is being inserted into the interior of acore 199 to allow the core securing portion 206 to easily enter theinterior of the core 199 of a feed roll 217 on which the end cap 200 isto be mounted.

A series of raised ridge structures 212 of various sizes are formed onan outer free end of each tab 210. As the core securing portion 206 isinserted into the interior of a core 199, the engagement of the ridges212 first with the edge of the end of the core 199 and then with theinterior of the core 199 causes the tabs 210 to flex slightly inwardlyto facilitate insertion of the core securing portion 206 into theinterior of the core 199.

The expansion member 202 is integrally molded as one piece structure(see FIG. 15) with the end cap 200 and is removably secured thereto byfrangible or “break away” plastic portions. This prepositions theexpansion member 202 for insertion into the interior of the coresecuring portion 206 of the end cap 200. After the core securing portion206 is inserted the proper distance into the core, the expansion member202 is inserted into the interior of the core securing portion 206 inradially expanding relation therewith by pushing the member 202 towardthe center of the core 199 (see FIG. 18). The expansion member 202 isconnected by the frangible connection to the respective end cap 200 inaxial alignment with the tubular core securing portion 206 such that thebreaking of the frangible connection and the inserting of the expansionmember may both be accomplished by applying an axially (inwardly)directed force to the expansion member 202.

The member 202 causes the teeth-like ridge structures 212 to imbed inthe inner surface of the core 199 (see FIG. 18) to hold the end cap 200in the core 199. More specifically, the tubular core securing portion isgenerally in the form of a cylindrical tube 62 having a split free end.The split free end defines a plurality of tabs 210, each tab 210including gripping structure 212 on the exterior thereof. The insertingof the expansion member into the core securing portion radially expandsthe core securing portion such that the tabs flex outwardly and thegripping structures 212 grip the paper or cardboard core 199 (as shownin FIG. 18).

Another example of a braking arrangement 219 can be understood withreference to FIGS. 16-18. The brake arrangement 219 includes a holdingmember 220 shown in isolation in FIG. 16, for example. The holdingmember 220 is shown attached to holding structure 152 formed on acartridge body structure 114 with the feed roll removed in FIG. 17 andis shown with a feed roll mounted therein in FIG. 18. The cartridge bodystructure 114 and the holding structure 152 of the feed roll mountingstructure 215 are identical to the cartridge body structure 114 and theholding structure 152 described above. Thus, the holding structure 152functions primarily as a bearing structure that rotatably supports theassociated end cap. As mentioned above, when the holding member 220 isattached to the cartridge body structure 114, the holding member isconsidered to be part of the cartridge body structure 114.

The holding member 220 and the holding structure 152 of the alternativebrake arrangement 219 cooperate to rotatably mount the end cap 200 of afeed roll. The holding member 220 is a molded plastic structure(although any appropriate material can be used in its construction) thatis identical to holding member 154 except that holding member 220includes an integral braking structure 226 that extends outwardly from awall portion 228 of the holding member 220. The wall portion 228 isreceived within a slot 163 on the cartridge body structure 114 and theholding member 220 is secured to the cartridge body structure 114 bysecuring posts (not visible in FIGS. 17 an 18) on the cartridge bodystructure 114 within openings 230 on the holding member 220 (see FIG.16) in the same manner the holding member 154 is secured to thecartridge body structure 114.

The amount of force required to unwind a stock material from a coredecreases as the stock material is removed from the core. That is, theamount of force required to unwind a stock material from a core isrelatively high when the roll has a relatively large radius and that theamount of force required to unwind a stock material from a core isrelatively low when the roll has a relatively small radius. The reasonwhy the amount of force required to unwind the roll depends on theradius of the feed roll can be understood by noting that, generallyspeaking, one complete revolution (360°) of a feed roll can be thoughtof as removing the “outer layer” of stock material from the feed roll.The surface area, A, of the outer layer of stock material can beapproximated by calculating the product of the radius of the feed rolltimes the length of the feed roll. That is,

Surface Area of the Outer Layer=A=(2 πr)(L)  Equation (1)

Where r=the radius of the feed roll, and L=the length of the feed roll.When the radius of a feed roll is relatively large, the area of theouter layer is relatively high. When the radius of a feed roll isrelatively small, the area of the outer layer is relatively small.Because one side of the stock material is covered with an adhesive, thelarger the area A that is separated from the feed roll per revolution,the more unwinding force is required to be applied per revolution. Thus,a greater amount of force is required to rotate the feed roll throughone complete revolution (360°) when r is relatively high than isrequired to rotate the feed roll through one revolution when r isrelatively low. This is true even though the lever arm of the appliedunwinding force depends on (and is approximately equal to) the radius,r, of the feed roll because the area of the adhesive covered stockmaterial that is separated from the feed roll per revolution is afunction of r so that as r increase, A increases by a multiple of raccording to equation (1). Thus, the area of the roll of stock materialthat is removed from the feed roll per revolution decreases as the stockmaterial is removed from the core. The pre-tension brake 219 isconstructed and arranged to apply less braking friction to the core asthe core is rotated so that the braking tension decrease as stockmaterial is unwound and depleted from each core so that the amount offorce required to unwind stock material therefrom remains approximatelyconstant as the stock material is depleted.

The manner in which this is accomplished can be understood withreference to FIGS. 16-18. The holding member 220 includes brakingsurfaces 211, 213 which apply braking friction to respective oppositesides 208, 209 of the flange portion 204 of the end cap 200 (see FIG.18). The braking structure 226 is a flexible structure and provides oneof the braking surfaces 211 thereon (see FIG. 16, for example). FIG. 17shows the braking structure 226 in a relaxed condition (because the endcap 200 is not mounted therein). When the end cap 200 is inserted in theholding member 220, the opposite sides 208, 209 of the flange 204frictionally engage the pair of braking surfaces 211, 213 and thebraking structure 226 is in a relatively highly flexed condition (seeFIG. 18) so that the pair of braking surfaces 211, 213 provide arelatively high degree of braking friction to the core.

The molded plastic of the braking structure 226 is constructed andarranged to wear down as the stock material is unwound from theassociated core 199. More specifically, as the surfaces 211, 208 and213, 209 move past one another during unwinding motion of the core 199and end cap 200, the surface 211 of structure 227 wears away, therebyprogressively lessening the degree of flexure of the braking structure226. It can be appreciated from FIG. 16 that the surface area ofstructure 211 is relatively small so that the structure 227 wears awayrelatively quickly. A suitable plastic material for constructing theholding member 220 (including the braking structure 226) and thecartridge body structure 114 is a plastic in the styrene family or anABS plastic and a suitable plastic material for constructing the end cap200 (including the flange 204) is a plastic in the acetyl family,particularly plastics commercially available under the trade namesDELRIN® and CELCON®. The example holding member 220 is constructed of apolystyrene having a Rockwell R Hardness of about 110 and the end cap200 is constructed of an acetyl having a Rockwell R Hardness of about120. The hardness of the materials is a relatively minor factor in thewearing down of the structure 227. A more important factor causing thestructure 227 to wear down is the relatively small surface area 211 ofthe structure 227 that is in frictional engagement with the end cap 200.The area of the wearing surface 211 of the structure 227 is relativelysmall compared to the surface area of the corresponding brake surface208 on the end cap 200 and this difference in surface area between thesurfaces 211, 208 contributes to the relatively rapid wearing down ofthe structure 227. Of course, one could make modifications betweenmaterial hardness and surface area relative to one another as desired.As mentioned, as the structure 227 wears down, the braking structure 226moves back toward its relaxed position. As the braking structure 226moves back to toward its relaxed position, the amount of brakingfriction applied by the braking surfaces 211, 213 to the coreprogressively decreases so that the amount of force required to unwindstock material decreases as the stock materials are depleted. Theholding member 220 and the cartridge body structure 114 may each be madeof a polystyrene so that the plastic parts which form the bearingsurfaces (which are provided by parts of the holding structure 152) andthe parts which form the braking surfaces (surfaces 211, 213 of holdingmember 220) are made of like material. Acetyl is a preferred materialfor constructing the end cap 200 in the instance in which the cartridgebody structure 114 and holding member 220 are made of a polystyrene forseveral reasons, in part because acetyl makes an excellent bearing andin part because frictional engagement between unlike materials (that is,the styrene and the acetyl) provide quiet operation of the brakes. Likematerials tend to make noise (a squeeling noise, for example) when theyare rubbed together.

The pre-tension brake 219 also performs other functions that facilitateoperation of the apparatus. For example, frictional engagement betweenthe flange 204 and the braking surfaces 211, 213 dampens or moderatesthe rotational movement of the associated feed roll to prevent wrinklingof the stock material during a master processing operation. The brakingforce is created because the flange 204 is received in an interferencefit relation between the braking surfaces 211, 213. The interference fitprovides the braking friction when the flange 204 moves relative to thesurfaces 211, 213.

The pre-tension brake 219 can be constructed to be used with feed rollsthat are individually mounted to the apparatus frame directly withoutthe use of a cartridge, as disclosed in the above-incorporated '962patent. In this case, the brake at each end of the feed roll (or at oneend of each feed roll in the instance in which only one brake is usedper feed roll) is incorporated in feed roll mounting structure carriedon the ends of the feed rolls. This feed roll mounting structureremovably mounts to the apparatus frame to support its associated feedroll. The feed roll mounting structure cooperates with the frame so thatboth the feed roll mounting structure and its pre-tensioning brakeremain stationary as the core rotates during unwinding of the stockmaterial. The brake for each individual feed roll will provide brakingsurfaces similar to the braking surfaces and in the cartridge to providefrictional resistance to the flange.

Operation

To perform a master processing operation, the latch assembly 112 isunlatched and the second frame portion 102 is moved into its openposition (FIG. 4). A cartridge 46 is placed inside the frame 12 andleading portions 24, 26 of the stock materials 21, 23 from the upper andlower feed rolls 18, 20, respectively, are unwound and placed betweenthe nip roller 32, 34. The second frame portion 102 is returned to itsclosed position, which moves the nip rollers 32, 34 into engagement withone another and into pressure applying engagement with the portion ofthe stock materials positioned therebetween. Each nip roller 32, 34 hasa rigid metal core 190 and an outer layer 192 of a resilient,rubber-like material. The upper nip roller 32 is held in properalignment with respect to the lower nip roller 34 by the operation ofthe roller guide tracks as described above.

A document or other master 22 to be covered with stock material isplaced on the substrate support surface 48 of the feed tray 44 andpushed through the feed opening 14 in the frame 12 and through thecartridge front opening 116 in the replaceable cartridge 46 until adocument comes into contact with the unwound portions 24, 26 of thestock materials 21, 23. At least one of the unwound portions 24, 26 iscoated with an adhesive so that the document adheres thereto. Theoperator than rotates the crank handle 36 which causes the nip rollers32, 34 of the master processing assembly 30 to rotate so as to drive themaster 22 and the stock materials therebetween and outwardly towards thedischarge opening 16 in the frame 12. As the stock materials (with orwithout the master 22 therebetween) pass between the nip rollers 32, 34,the nip rollers apply pressure to the stock materials to activate thepressure sensitive adhesive and adhere the stock materials to opposingsides of the master 22 and/or to one another.

The master engaging structure 124 applies a frictional force to themaster as it is pulled between the driving rollers 32, 34 which tends tokeep the master 22 flat and taut as it passes between the rollers 32,34. The brake surfaces 148, 150 provided by the feed roll mountingstructures 146 frictionally engage the annular flanges 144 which keepsthe unwound portions 24, 26 of the stock materials between the feedrollers in the nip rollers 32, 34 taut. This prevents wrinkling of thestock material on the master 22 and also prevents the unwound portionsof the stock materials from adhering to themselves or to each otherbefore they pass between the nip rollers.

When the entire length of the master 22 has been covered with stockmaterial 21, 23, the final product 38 passes through the dischargeopening 16. When the master has cleared the discharge opening, theoperator stops rotation of the crank handle 36 and uses the blade 82 ofthe cutting assembly 70 to sever the finished product 38 from thecontinuous strip of stock materials 21, 23. To cut the laminated masterfrom the sheets of stock material, preferably the operator slides theblade carriage 80 to one end of the guide member 74 and then applies adownward prerssure on the carriage sufficient to cause the blade topenetrate the adhered layers of stock material behind the laminatedmaster. The operator then slides the blade carriage to the opposite endof the guide member 74 while simultaneously applying sufficient downwardpressure to the blade carriage to pinch the guide member 74 against theportion of the adhered stock materials that are being severed. Theholding structures 194, 196 hold the stock materials taut over the bladeslot to facilitate cutting.

It can be appreciated from FIG. 3 that the cutting assembly 70 isarranged to position the blade 82 close to the nip rollers 32, 34. Thisallows the operator to sever the stock materials very near the niprollers which reduces the amount of waste of stock materials. It canalso be appreciated from FIG. 3 that the cutting assembly 70 isconstructed to position and angle the cutting blade 82 away from thedischarge opening 16 so that the operator is protected from possiblecontact with the blade 82 while handling or operating the apparatus 10.The bottom surface of the guide member 74 is provided with a pair oftransversely extending holding structures 194, 196 which press or“pinch” portions of the adhered stock materials on either side of theblade slot against the support surface 40 to facilitate the cuttingaction of the blade 82.

The present invention is explained and described with reference to anumber of illustrative embodiments and variations thereof that are shownin the drawings and/or described herein. These embodiments are intendedto illustrate the principles of the invention only, and not to limit thescope of the invention. Other variations and embodiments arecontemplated and within the scope of the invention. For example, FIG. 19shows another embodiment of a cartridge 250. The cartridge 250 isessentially the same as the cartridge 46 except that a substratesupporting member 252 and a master engaging structure 254 of thecartridge 250 are constructed differently from the substrate supportingmember 118 and the master engaging structure 124 of the cartridge 46.Portions of the cartridge 250 that are identical to portions of thecartridge 46 are identified with identical reference numerals and arenot commented upon further.

The cartridge 250 includes a cartridge body structure 256. The substratesupporting member 252 is integrally formed in the cartridge bodystructure 256 and includes a substrate support surface 68 for supportinga master. A plurality of ribs 258 are formed on the substrate supportingmember 252 on the side opposite the substrate support surface 68. Themaster engaging structure 254 includes a plurality of ribs 260. The ribs260 are formed on an upper side of the master engaging structure 254 andon the master engaging surface 255 thereof. The ribs 258, 260 reduce thetendency of and effectively prevent the exposed adhesive on the unwoundportions (not shown in FIG. 19) of the stock materials between the feedrolls and the nip rollers (not shown in FIG. 19) from adhering to theupper surface of the master engaging structure 254 and the lower surfaceof the substrate supporting member 252. The ribs 258, 260 in effectreduce the surface areas of the master engaging structure 254 and thesubstrate supporting member 252 facing the exposed adhesive on the stockmaterials and thereby prevent the adhesive from strongly adhering to thesubstrate supporting member 252 and the master engaging structure 254.Although the unwound portions of the stock materials are generally tautand therefore do not contact the substrate supporting member 252 and themaster engaging structure 254, contact can occur during transport of themaster processing apparatus, for example, or when the master engagingstructure 254 is moved upwardly during insertion of a master in the feedopening of the apparatus and so on. The portion of the ribs 260 on themaster engaging surface 255 may reduce the total area of the contactsurface between the master engaging structure 254 and a master whileallowing the master engaging structure 254 to apply sufficientfrictional resistance to tension the master. Reducing the area of thecontact surface between the master engaging structure 254.

In another alternative embodiment for laminating apparatuses, the stockmaterials may be coated with a heat-activated adhesive. In such anapparatus, heating elements would be provided in the master processingassembly 30 upstream of the nip rollers (or other pressure applyingstructures) to soften or melt the adhesive prior to application ofpressure by the nip rollers. For example, a pair of heating platenscould be positioned on opposing sides of the stock materials in order toheat the adhesive prior to reaching the nip rollers. Alternatively,heating elements could be provided in the nip rollers themselves so asto simultaneously heat and apply pressure to the stock materials. Themaster processing assembly used in an apparatus constructed inaccordance with this invention may have any suitable construction.

It can be appreciated that the embodiments of the master processingapparatus shown and described herein are examples of the invention andare therefore intended only to illustrate the principles of theinvention, but not limit the scope of these principles.

What is claimed is:
 1. A master processing system comprising: a frame; aremovable cartridge removably mounted to said frame, said removablecartridge comprising (a) a cartridge body structure including at least apair of sidewalls and (b) first and second feed rolls carryingrespective supplies of first and second stock material, said feed rollsbeing mounted to said cartridge body structure to enable the stockmaterials to be unwound from their respective feed rolls, at least oneof said stock materials having a layer of adhesive disposed thereon;said frame being constructed and arranged such that a master can beinserted into said master processing assembly together with the stockmaterials unwound from their respective feed rolls and disposed onopposing sides of the master; said master processing assembly beingconstructed and arranged to perform a master processing operationwherein said processing assembly causes adhesive bonding between themaster and stock materials being fed in a feed side thereof andsubsequently discharges the processed master and stock materialsoutwardly from a discharge side thereof; said cartridge having asubstrate supporting member extending between said sidewalls thereof andproviding a substrate supporting surface on the feed side of said masterprocessing assembly, said substrate supporting surface being configuredto support the master during feeding of the master into said masterprocessing assembly; said cartridge having a master engaging structureextending generally transversely across said substrate supportingsurface, said master substrate engaging structure having a masterengaging surface that engages the master while supported on saidsubstrate support surface so as to apply a frictional resistance toadvancement of the master in said feeding direction to thereby tensionthe master.
 2. A master processing system according to claim 1, whereinsaid substrate supporting surface is planar and is constructed andarranged to support the master in a substantially flat relation duringfeeding of the master into said master processing assembly.
 3. A masterprocessing system according to claim 2, wherein said master engagingstructure is constructed of a molded plastic material.
 4. A masterprocessing system according to claim 3, wherein said master engagingstructure is pivotally connected to said cartridge body structure.
 5. Aremovable cartridge to be used in conjunction with a master processingapparatus for processing a master, the apparatus comprising a frame anda master processing assembly constructed and arranged to perform amaster processing operation wherein said master processing assemblycauses adhesive bonding between substrates fed therein, said removablecartridge comprising: a cartridge body structure constructed andarranged to be removably mounted to the apparatus frame; a first and asecond feed roll, each carrying a supply of a stock material and beingmounted to said cartridge body structure to enable said stock materialsto be unwound from their respective feed rolls, at least one of saidstock materials having a layer of adhesive disposed thereon; saidcartridge body structure and said first and second feed rolls beingconstructed and arranged such that, when said cartridge body structureis removably mounted to the apparatus frame, the master can be insertedinto the master processing assembly of the apparatus with said first andsecond stock materials being unwound from their respective feed rollsand disposed on opposing sides of the master, thereby enabling theprocessing assembly to perform the aforesaid master processing operationwherein said processing assembly causes adhesive bonding between saidfirst and second stock materials and the master being fed therein andthen subsequently discharges the processed master and stock materials;said cartridge having a substrate supporting member extending betweensaid sidewalls thereof and providing a substrate supporting surface,said substrate supporting member being positioned with respect to saidcartridge body structure such that, when said cartridge body structureis removably mounted to said apparatus frame, said substrate supportingsurface thereof is positioned on the feed side of said master processingassembly, said substrate supporting surface being configured to supportthe master during feeding of the master into said master processingassembly; said cartridge having a master engaging structure extendinggenerally transversely across said substrate supporting surface, saidmaster substrate engaging structure having a master engaging surfacethat engages the master while supported on said substrate supportingsurface so as to apply frictional resistance to advancement of themaster in a feeding direction to thereby tension the master.
 6. A masterprocessing system according to claim 5, wherein said substratesupporting surface is planar and is constructed and arranged to supportthe master in a substantially flat relation during feeding of the masterinto said master processing assembly.
 7. A master processing systemaccording to claim 5, wherein said master engaging structure isconstructed of a molded plastic material.
 8. A master processing systemaccording to claim 5, wherein said master engaging structure ispivotally connected to said cartridge body structure.